Local authorities strengthen capacitates for dealing with decentralization reform

The first 10 towns and 58 villages of the 80 settlements that in summer launched activities aimed at strengthening the capacities of the local public authorities in the context of the drafting of the decentralization strategy have been selected for active participation in the project. Another 10 districts are waiting their turn, Veaceslav Bulat, expert for the Joint Integrated Local Development Program said in a program on “Vocea Basarabiei” radio station, quoted by Info-Prim Neo. The activity was initiated by the Government of Moldova with support from the United Nations Development Program. “When they identify exactly the problems related to their administrative capacities and establish what impact they have on the quality of life in the settlements they administer, the local authorities will be able to lay down short- and medium-term measures in the capacity strengthening plans that will contribute to improved access to public services of a high quality,” said Veaceslav Bulat. He stressed that local autonomy means own local incomes, grants for investments, financing according to transparent rules and objective criteria. According to project manager Valeria Ieseanu, the assessment and strengthening of the capacities of the local public authorities, according to methods adjusted to the national legislation and realities, is an innovatory and very necessary initiative. The settlements covered by the project were selected by the vulnerability indicators, geographic proportionality and non-discrimination principle. In the same program, the mayor of Verejeni village of Telenesti district Olga Gherman voiced hope that their settlement will be among those that will benefit from financing. The start was laid by a thorough assessment of the capacities of the local public administration. “The project helped us to differentiate between our own duties and those entrusted by the population,” Olga Gherman said. She also said that the knowledge of the employees of the mayor’s office have been enriched and now they know better the problems faced by the community and work in accordance with a strategic plan to solve them. The data collected from 78 territorial-administrative units was used to compile a national report on local public authorities’ capacities to design, monitor and implement programs designed to modernize the life of the population. It is intended mainly for the local authorities, the Government and international organizations. Launched in 2007, the Joint Integrated Local Development Program aims to strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks and streamline local administrative procedures and systems. There is an emphasis on developing and implementing a framework for the effective delegation of authority to the local public authorities, fiscal decentralization to deliver essential services, and the promotion of a greater role for women in decision-making bodies. The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency made a substantial contribution to the program.